Traditionally considered a major antispasmodic cough remedy, thyme also has a long history of culinary use and as a flavouring agent in teas and liquors. Tea was administered for colic, dyspepsia and to control fever in common cold. Thyme oil was used in rheumatism and neuralgic pain.

Eclectic physicians considered thyme to be an emmenagogue and tonic and indicated the tea in disorders such as hysteria, dysmennorhea and convalescence (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 885).

Stimulates production of white blood corpuscles, which have anti-pathogenic actions.

It has a direct anti-microbial effect

(Hoffmann, 2003, p. 540)

History

The name ‘myrrh’ is likely derived from Arabic or Hebrew word ‘mur’ meaning bitter. The oleo-gum resin is obtained from the stem of Commiphora species native to Africa and Arabia (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 753).

Has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years and is referenced, several times in the bible in the Psalms, the Song of Solomon and is commonly remembered as one of the three gifts the Magi brought to Christ (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 753).

Despite ancient record, clinical trials are relatively recent. The herb is of significant value in the treatment of parasites, appearing to be active against parasites that infest deeper in the body than the gut, such as the liver and gallbladder (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 753).